Side

The Lexus ES 300 was redesigned for the 2002 model year and renamed the ES 330 for the 2004 model year because the engine size was increased. All ES 330 models manufactured after April 2004 include modifications to the rear door trim panels to improve rear seat occupant protection in side-impact crashes. (Information about when a specific vehicle was manufactured is on the certification label typically affixed to the car on the driver door or adjacent B-pillar.)

Two tests of the ES 330 were conducted. The injury ratings for the rear passenger are based on just the second test; measures for the rear passenger in the first test were not obtained because of equipment failure. The injury ratings for the driver and the head protection ratings for both the driver and passenger are based on both tests. Structural ratings also are based on both tests.

Overall evaluation

G

Structure and safety cage

A

Driver injury measures

Head/neck

G

Torso

A

Pelvis/leg

G

Head protection

G

Rear passenger injury measures

Head/neck

G

Torso

A

Pelvis/leg

G

Head protection

G

View of the vehicle and barrier just after the second of two crash tests.

View of the vehicle after the second crash with doors removed, showing the side airbags and damage to the occupant compartment.

Action shot taken during the second side impact crash test showing the driver dummy's head was protected from being hit by hard structures by the side curtain airbag.

Smeared greasepaint shows where the rear passenger dummy's head was protected by the side airbag in the second test.

The Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) shares and supports this mission through scientific studies of insurance data representing the human and economic losses resulting from the ownership and operation of different types of vehicles and by publishing insurance loss results by vehicle make and model.